Finding area bounded by x axis, x=0, and x=5

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the area bounded by the x-axis, the vertical lines x=0 and x=5, and a graph that crosses the x-axis at x=2. To accurately find the total area, one must split the interval into two parts: the area below the x-axis (from x=0 to x=2) and the area above the x-axis (from x=2 to x=5). Both areas should be treated as positive values and summed to obtain the total area, as area is inherently a positive quantity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of definite integrals in calculus
  • Familiarity with the concept of area under a curve
  • Knowledge of how to evaluate integrals for both positive and negative regions
  • Basic graphing skills to visualize the function and its intersections with the x-axis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of definite integrals in calculus
  • Learn how to calculate the area between curves and the x-axis
  • Explore techniques for handling piecewise functions in integration
  • Practice problems involving area calculations for graphs crossing the x-axis
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those learning about integration and area calculations, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to bounded areas in graphs.

tjohn101
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Homework Statement


I have a problem where the graph of the equation is below the x-axis at x=0, crosses the x-axis at x=2, and is above at x=5. To find the area of this would I just split the interval into two parts, find both areas, and then add them? Or would I simply ignore the part of the graph that is below the x axis? "Bounded by the x axis" confuses me and that is why I am unsure.


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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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tjohn101 said:

Homework Statement


I have a problem where the graph of the equation is below the x-axis at x=0, crosses the x-axis at x=2, and is above at x=5. To find the area of this would I just split the interval into two parts, find both areas, and then add them? Or would I simply ignore the part of the graph that is below the x axis? "Bounded by the x axis" confuses me and that is why I am unsure.

Since area is a positive quantity, you will want to find the negative part and positive part separately, make them both positive, and then add them. Imagine if you had a larger negative area than positive, then you would have a negative area!

On the other hand, if you are required only to evaluate the integral (not find the area of the integral), you would not have to split the regions up.
 
Hi tjohn101! :wink:

You haven't actually given us the whole sentence …

presumably it includes words something like "and the graph" …

but what words exactly, and how are they joined to the rest of the conditions?

(if it says "Find the area bounded by the graph, the x axis, x=0, and x=5", then as malicx :smile: says, both areas are positive, and you add them)
 

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